Mimi McGaughey; Piano Teacher

Mimi McGaughey, a Glendale piano teacher who was active with local music organizations, has died at a Glendale hospital. She was 79.

A Glendale resident, Mrs. McGaughey died Wednesday of heart failure, said longtime friend Vic Pallos.

Born in New York state, she was awarded a four-year scholarship in piano at USC, where she studied with Adelaide Trowbridge Perry, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education.

Mrs. McGaughey began performing in concerts at age 8, and as an adult she toured in a piano duo and appeared twice as soloist with the Glendale Symphony Orchestra. In the mid-1950s, she began teaching at Apperson Street School in Sunland. After 20 years with the Los Angeles Unified School District, she retired to devote her time to teaching piano privately until the time of her death.

Mrs. McGaughey was instrumental in starting the Young People’s Symphony concerts in Glendale, gave preconcert lectures for the Glendale Symphony Orchestra and judged piano competitions throughout California.

She has no immediate survivors.

A memorial concert is planned for 3:30 p.m. Monday at Brand Library Auditorium, 1601 Mountain Ave. in Glendale. A graveside service is planned at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive in the Hollywood Hills. Kiefer & Eyerick Mortuary in Glendale is handling the arrangements.

Donations can be made in Mrs. McGaughey’s name to the Elvin Samuel McGaughey Music Foundation, in care of Ann Pearson, 2563 Gardner Place, Glendale 91206.

Mrs. McGaughey was president of the organization, which sponsors an annual piano competition in Glendale.